Born in Refugio, Texas on December 3rd, 1940, Larry enjoyed an active childhood. He participated in the local Boy Scout troop and ventured on many hunting trips with his father. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in San Antonio, Texas, then soon after married his high-school sweetheart, Ann Wunsch.
After serving in the National Guard, Larry began a career in the auto industry. Through years of hard work, he climbed from an entry level position at a San Antonio Ford dealership to partner and executive manager of over twenty top performing dealerships in Texas. His career sparked a passion for all things auto. He enjoyed classic car shows and auctions, even collecting a few classics for himself. He was a lifelong member of the National Automobile Dealers Association and Houston Automobile Dealers Association.
Always an avid sports fan, Larry joined the partnership owning the Houston Rockets from 1983 to 1993. He shared this passion with his family, who all could be found cheering courtside at most every home game.
Family was a top priority for Larry, who always kept everyone nearby. Through the summer, he hosted family and friends at his home on Lake Conroe where he could be found grilling, boating, enjoying an ice cream cone, and teaching kids to fish.
Larry spent many weekends fishing the Gulf Coast. Along with close fisherman friends, he founded the Four F Fishing Club and hosted monthly fishing tournaments for local fisherman. No fish could escape his freshly painted lures hanging from one of his dozens of fishing poles. Larry actively gave back to Texas coastal communities through his involvement with the Costal Conservation Association.
Larry was an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Ann Wunsch Gerdes, by two daughters, Laurie Walden and Brenda McDuffie, and by two sons-in-law, Pat Walden and Mike McDuffie. His legacy will live on through his three loving granddaughters, Mindy McDuffie, Madison McDuffie, and Hayley Walden. His brother, Joe Dale Gerdes, also survives him. His parents, Henry Gerdes and Josephine Sullivan Gerdes, precede him in death.
His family would like to extend their deep appreciation to Francis Guzman for her compassionate care and dedicated service over the past several months.
Friends and family are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from half past six until nine o’clock, with a rosary to begin at eight o’clock, the evening of Monday, February 12th in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis and Sons – 1010 Bering Dr. in Houston, Texas.
A Mass will be offered at ten o’clock the morning of February 13th at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church – 1801 Sage Rd. in Houston, Texas. A reception in the Parish Life Center will follow.
Memorial contributions may be directed to The Charity Guild of Catholic Women, 1203 Lovett Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77006.
My wife and I are sending our thoughts and prayers to the family at this difficult time. Mr.Gerdes was a great leader and teacher who helped many of us to become what we are today in the auto industry.
Thank you Larry, for introducing me to the automotive industry. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are extended to the entire Gerdes family.
I remember walking in to you office back in 1980 to ask for the F&I managers job. You told me you would think about it. A week later you called me to your office and told me you had faith in me that I could do the job. You gave me the chance I need to make me into the car man I am today. My father had great respect for you and I also. I Thank You for all you did for me and my family over the 20 years I worked for you. You will be missed. God bless your family and prayer to everyone.
thanks to you and your leadership and for helping me for almost 35 years when I was starting my career in the auto business you where always interested in my future thanks for everything, my condolences to Ann and the family
I will miss you old friend. Jack Sulephen
To my boss but most of all a great friend who I had the pleasure of knowing and working for 23 years, you will be missed.Thank you for all your great advise you gave me I know your in heaven fishing that Great Lake.My condolences to Mrs. Gerdes and family my prayers are with you.
The members of Charity Guild of Catholic Women offer their deepest condolences to Ann and her family. We are sorry to hear of Larry's death and will keep him in our thoughts and prayers. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen
My teacher and mentor for nearly 20 years. Larry would always give me the goal but would let me take whatever road I wished to get there. He would be there if I got lost. He taught me so much about the auto business as well as about life itself. My last conversation with Larry was at a Texans game when he leaned over and wispered to me " never retire". Work was his 2nd love after his family. Condolences to Ann and the rest of the family.
Please accept my condolences and prayers for your families loss of Larry. He was always fair and kind when working with me. I can honestly say I learned a great deal about the automotive business and life in general from Larry. He will be missed by many- Larry's memories will live for many years. Robert Walton
My friend,you will be dearly missed. Thank you for the worldly wisdom and advice you always gave me and Mel. My deepest condolences to your family. I know how much your girls meant to you. Ann, your daughter and granddaughters were so deeply loved.
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